BladeRunners

BladeRunners is an award winning employment program that is recognized nationally and internationally.

BladeRunners targets at-risk youth (15-30 years of age) providing them with basic training designed to facilitate entry into the labour force. Companies from all sectors of industry throughout British Columbia provide employment opportunities for participants and the ultimate goal is for them to gain sufficient skills and experience that will translate into a long-term attachment to the labour force.

For more information
Contact Helen Worth, Community Education and Workplace Training Coordinator at Selkirk College in Grand Forks 250.442.2704 or by email.

Participants Receive:

Certified health and safety training

Life and job-readiness skills, helping participants build self-esteem and confidence

Marketable skills that enhance long-term employment prospects

This development of long-term attachment to the work force is a unique component of the BladeRunners model, which when combined with the development of multi-sector partnerships between the youth, community, employers, trades unions, post-secondary institutions and various levels of government, ensures its overall success.

History of BladeRunners

Created in '94 during the construction of General Motors Place in Vancouver, BladeRunners was founded with the purpose of matching construction industry needs with opportunities for inner city disadvantaged ‘street-involved’ youth.

Because many of the at-risk youth taking part in the program at that time were experiencing problems outside of their work hours, a system of 24/7 support from BladeRunners coordinators was developed which led to the award winning BladeRunners model.